Dead Children Playing

by Stanley Donwood, Dr. Tchock

Stanley Donwood and the enigmatic Dr Tchock are the elusive duo responsible for Radiohead's artwork. Containing paintings they have produced in the last decade, this book also contains a cornucopia of never-before-seen artwork. Featuring the apocalyptic scenes of the OK Computer album, the startling, sinister shadow of memory cast onto the present in the Kid A paintings, and the overwhelming information overload of Hail to the Thief's landscapes of conflict, Dead Children Playing presents some of the most iconic artwork of our time.

Genres: Music, Art, Nonfiction

75 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[s.penkevich [hiatus-will return-miss you all] · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little book makes a wonderful addition to any Radiohead fan's collection. Stanley Donwood's artwork from the albums OK Computer, Kid A, Amnesiac, Hail to the Thief, Thom York's solo album The Eraser, as well as lyric sheets and some various doodles from both Donwood and Thom York (under the pseudonym Dr. Tchock) are displayed in large, full color prints to please the eyes. Donwood's own note from his sessions of bumbling about town to gather inspiration for his pieces break up the different segments, giving a bit of insight into his art and the ideas behind each collection as a whole.

Get Out Before Saturday (2000)

I really enjoyed Donwood's reflections, from trying to visualize London in a way to create the imagery for Amnesiac of 'a cursed monster condemned to live and die in a subterranean labyrinth as well as his exploration of Los Angeles (frequently noted as being 'hell on earth' to him) while attempting to capture the American vibe of advertising.

'Part of the massive scale of this particular version of hel on Earth involves the many advertising materials employed along the multilane highways that dissect this place. Designed and constructed with the assumption that they will be viewed from fast-moving vehicles by people who are assailed from all sides by a visual cacophony of conflicting messages, these advertising materials are very big. VERY BIG, and VERY BRASH....90% of the messages that flick past my retinas are using the same seven colors...all made of plastic, all made from pigments derived from the petrochemical industry, the same hydrocarbon trade that has made the city of Los Angeles possible'

Recommended for any fan of Radiohead as a way to better appreciate the same art you've probably already seen in the liner notes, except here printed larger and brighter for better viewing. It makes a wonderful coffee table book and something to flip through while enjoying Radiohead from your couch.


My only complaint is that I wish they would have released an updated version containing In Rainbows and King of Limbs. However, it makes (and made) an excellent gift to any Radiohead fan.

[Macey · Rating 4 out of 5]

the Stanley Donwood art for Radiohead is probably some of the only album art to be properly regarded as art in its own right. maybe because there's so much of it, and because Radiohead has such a cult following, but it's also really cool. apocalyptic and unsettling yes, but that's what he's going for.

i recommend the Kid A Mnesia virtual exhibition also. if you like the album art and the music its like an immersive, freakier, soundscaped alternate version.

it was cool when he talks about walking around London in 1999 using a guidebook from 1910 to try find stuff, very artistic, and the thing with the minotaurs as well i was wondering what that was about.

when you see a little picture if a painting in a book it's easy to forget its actually like nine feet tall.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Radiohead is one of my favorite bands ever. Seeing the artwork and inspiration behind their music truly was breathtaking. will willingly open this book up over and over again to discover more and more.

[Ian Mathers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got a bunch of books from Verso on sale, decided to grab this one. I'm a Radiohead fan and have always liked the art, so having an art book with lots of it nice and big and clear with extra work and notes is very nice. Not really that essential unless you're in the same boat as me, but nicely packaged.

[david Cabrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

maravilla para fans de Radiohead

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little gift for the avid Radiohead fan bookshelf

[Willow Lezcano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Titan gave this to me to read. I don’t think I’ve been this inspired to make art since college. Right up my alley. It almost reads as a diary.

[Miguel Marques · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t put into words how much I loved this
Masterpiece after masterpiece
The context pages gave me goosebumps
Thank you so much Saumya for this gift, love u

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of the paintings - with some commentary - that were used to decorate 3 of Radiohead's best known albums (OK Computer, Kid A, and Hail to the Thief). I've always thought that the artwork for Kid A is ugly, but I love the art for Hail to the Thief. The artist's commentary adds depth to the paintings, and I could better appreciate the ugly ones after learning what inspired them.

[Sydne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Radiohead is truly my favorite band.

Their music relaxes me, inspires me, and I just simply LOVE them.

I found this book in Monkey See Monkey Do, and received it as a Christmas present from a great friend of mine.


The art is astounding, and the little tidbits from Thom Yorke really make it amazing.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

The liner art from some of the best Radiohead albums out there; OK Computer, Kid A, and Hail to the Thief. It's great to see some of these works in a full spread, along with a bit of commentary on the process behind the art. I raced out to pick this up when I heard about it, it's just right up my alley.

[Jamil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Includes art from OK Computer, Kid A, Amnesiac and Hail to the Thief. Text setting context for the art's creation and aim was actually pretty interesting.

[Benjamin Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I WANT TO SEE YOU SMILE AGAIN
THE DAY THE BANKS COLLAPSE
ZEE HORDES OF VIGILANTEES
THE DAY THE BANKS COLLAPSE ON US"

[David Markwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Donwood & Dr. Tchock never disappoint. A great collection of artwork.